Relationship between sleep quality and cognitive performance in patients with epilepsy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Epilepsy (PWE) is often associated with sleep disturbances.
• Cognitive function, mood, and quality of life (QoL) are crucial aspects of PWE management.
• The interplay between sleep quality and these factors in PWE requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between self-reported sleep quality and cognitive function in patients with epilepsy (PWE).
• To examine the association of sleep quality with anxiety and depressive symptoms.
• To assess the impact of sleep quality on patient quality of life (QoL).

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, cross-sectional study involving 150 PWE aged ≥12 years on anti-seizure medication (ASM) without diagnosed sleep disorders.
• Utilized validated questionnaires: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and QOLIE-10.
• Statistical analyses included multiple regression to identify independent predictors of cognitive function.

Main Results:

• 44.4% of PWE reported impaired sleep quality (PSQI ≥5).
• Poor sleep quality was associated with higher anxiety and depression scores and reduced QoL.
• Older age and use of sleep medication were independently associated with lower MoCA scores.

Conclusions:

• While not independently associated with mild cognitive impairment, poor sleep quality significantly affects mood and QoL in PWE.
• Sleep quality is an important factor to consider in the holistic care of patients with epilepsy.
• Interventions targeting sleep may improve overall well-being in PWE.